It seemed to be a common theme from most writers here at StGA that 2014 was a fairly lackluster year of music. With 2013 delivering cultural touchstones like Daft Punk‘s “Get Lucky” and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” the closest you had this year was “Fancy” which I’m proud to say not one writer included on their individual tracks of the year list. Although there weren’t any obvious songs to rally behind, there were 50 tracks that our unique set of writers did single out as the best of the year and we present them below.
#50 Lil Dicky “Lemme Freak”
Lil Dicky‘s ode to wanting sex, “Lemme Freak” could have an entire list devoted to it. A top 10 would have serious contenders for best line. Could it be “look, I just turned off the Departed for a movie bout a bee”? Or maybe “I don’t know if you are aware that you’ve been throwing out my shoes”? There could be a solid argument made for many. – Adam Morgan
#49 The Knocks featuring Powers “Classic”
The Knocks are no strangers to Surviving the Golden Age’s end of the year countdown. Back in 2010, the New York City production duo got three tracks in our Top 50. This year there is only one, “Classic'” but its a big one. Between the “Get Lucky”-esque guitars and “More More More”-style piano, the track feels like a classic disco track and a summer beach jam all in one. – Adam Morgan
#48 Cam’ron & A-Trak featuring Juelz Santana and Dame Dash “Dipshits”
Since the announcement of their reunion in 2010, the world has been clamoring for actual Dipset music. Though a reunion album has been teased for years, “Dipshits” is the closest we have come to an actual document but it sends quite a statement. In the hands of A-Trak and Just Blaze, Cam’ron regains his Mid-2000s form sounding triumphant as ever. – Adam Morgan
#47 Guided By Voices “The Littlest League Possible”
Short and Sweet. Clocking in at a mere minute-and-eighteen seconds, “The Littlest League Possible” is a compact version of what made Guided By Voices so great: catchy, no frills guitar rock. The fact that it may be legendary band’s last great song makes it all the sweeter. – Adam Morgan
#46 Seinabo Sey “Younger”
YOLO has been a concept for centuries before Drake coined the phrase. Swedish songstress, Seinabo Sey‘s take on the concept on her breakout single “Younger” strips away the reckless behavior that the phrase has become synonymous with and instead focuses on the fact that most of us will age, our minds and bodies will become fragile, and we will die. While that all sounds grim, Sey’s soulful voice and fancy dance production makes “Younger” one of the more unlikely club tracks. – Adam Morgan
#45 Girl Talk featuring Freeway and Waka Flocka Flame “Tolerated”
The idea of Girl Talk and Freeway teaming up together for an album may have seemed exciting but nothing could prepare us for how bombastic it would be. “Tolerated” goes harder than any hip hop track this year. – Adam Morgan
#44 The Hold Steady “I Hope This Whole Thing Didn’t Frighten You”
If the Hold Steady know how to do one thing, it is to write an album opener. Although not as anthemic as “Constructive Summer,” the track is classic Craig Finn storytelling. One of the old South Minneapolis’ cast of characters bring his girlfriend home for the holidays and they get thrust into some terrifying situations. The story plays out over tight guitar arpeggios and energetic drums. – Adam Morgan
#43 Sleater-Kinney “Bury Our Friends”
Sleater-Kinney‘s last album, 2005’s The Woods saw the band take a turn for the psychedelic. To announce their return the band released “Bury Our Friends,” a bold fist-pumping anthem that is a true return to their roots. – Adam Morgan
#42 Joyce Manor “Schley”
2014 was a return to guitar rock for me. After years of finding more pop and hip hop that spoke to me, rock music seemed more appealing this year and that was in large part to Joyce Manor‘s “Schley.” The track is reminiscent of the heyday of mainstreamo; its mixture of pop punk hook, emotive vocals, and self-conscious lyrics can transport any late 20-something back to high school…in a good way. – Adam Morgan
#41 Chromeo “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)”
Much like with any Chromeo single, you must prepare to dance. This sunny electrofunk/synth pop song from the Canadian duo has made the list because it’s so catchy you can’t help but wiggle in your chair. Not to be confused with Nick Jonas’ overplayed “Jealous,” “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)” is far more charming and written from the perspective of a neurotic yet harmless man who just wants to be with a lady (who just so happens to be with another guy.) The guitar hook over all that synth and a great beat makes this a fun pop song that could easily live on in Johnny Appleseed commercials for the rest of eternity. – Colleen Walsh-Jervis
